I go to church EVERY Sunday because I WANT to, not because it's a "law". I've noticed that at my church the people are smiling and socializing before and after Services. Unlike at the Catholic church where they all have the look of "just fulfilling an obligation" and they can't wait to get in their cars and go home. There's Joy at our church and that's missing at the Catholic church.
That is how it was when I was a catholic. I don't know if ANYONE really wanted to be at mass. I sure didn't. I woukd have rather have watched a football game. You are right, there was no joy, no socializing, no fellowship. It was about as lively as a cemetery.
I have no idea of where you have seen a Catholic Mass but that sure isn't my experience over MANY years.. Our present pariah has hugh youth and teen participation....groups, retreats, missionary trips, singing groups...whatever. I usually attend Mass at 10:00 A.M. and the following Mass, at noon is the Hispanisc Mass.....Now they really have a happy time. They set up musical instruments in the fromt of church and really play up a storm. As is, I guess their method of doing things, their kids are pretty much free to roam the place during Mass and no one seems to care.
We also have a Catholic school included in our parish...The highest rated grade school in the city and also populated with a lot of hispanic kids.
Our teens, students in the local and regional high schools are given the opportunity to join all kinds of interesting groups, clubs etc.
Plenty of VERY happy Catholics here...when you know you're right, you're right!!
I know exactly what you mean. Same for me.